Some awards recognize a moment. The Aber Award recognizes a career. Named after Jordan Abercrombie, a Rotarian whose hallmark was making everything around him run better without ever seeking credit for it, the Presidential Citation Award has always belonged to the people who show up quietly and make the Club’s work possible. Aber was the kind of person who hugged Princess Anne at the dedication of the Military Park and somehow made it feel completely natural. The award that carries his name was built for Rotarians cut from the same cloth.
This year, President Todd presented the 2026 Aber Award to Past District Governor and Past President Jim Williams. The list of contributions he read through was long: more than 30 years of membership, mentorship that has steadied presidents and boards through the inevitable ups and downs, and a calming influence that has shaped how this Club carries itself. Jim has never needed the spotlight to do his best work. The people around him have always known it was there.
When Jim was called forward, the Club rose to its feet. He was visibly moved, accepted with characteristic humility, and offered his thanks to a room that was already grateful. Congratulations, PDG Jim. Very well deserved.